I think I've read all of the guidebooks, and I have found them all to be useful for what you mentioned. None of them will be correct for the permit issues, since that changes so often.

Also, no one has mentioned the video options from Hike Along Pete, either a 1 hour summary hike, or a total 6 hour video of the entire trail (up).

http://www.hikealongvideo.com/MW.html

I see that they are both out of stock, probably due to the time of year, you might try later or inquire.

The 1 minute version is on youtube.